Rules

[uk_ghost_rider]

I was just wondering what were the rules for dressarge at begners level??

[fionahogg]

Hi Ghost Rider.
When you say 'beginner' what do you mean? Do you plan to compete in affiliated or unaffiliated competitions? The rules for unaffiliated dressage are normally the same as British Dressage Rules but sometimes they are a little more lenient. For example the unaffil comps around here don't normally do tack checks so you can get away with the smaller aspects of tack for example your bit may be made of an 'illegal' material - but the judge would see if the type of bit you had was allowed.
For a more comprehensive list of rules you'd be better getting a rulebook from the BD - that is if you live in the UK. I'll give you a basic summary. Your horse has to be ridden in a snaffle (most types are acceptable) that is made of the same material throughout - you can't have a stainless steel bit with a copper link but you can have a copper bit (I think). The horse should be ridden in a cavasson, flash, or drop noseband - grackles and Kineton, Worcestor etc are not allowed. Any type of saddle can be used. You should be dressed in a shirt and jacket, in beige/white jods/breeches, in short or long boots, with a riding hat with a blue/black cover. So basically the dress rules are the same as for showing but you can't use pelhams and double bridles are only allowed from elementary level upwards. With regards the rest of the rules, they are relatively simple - just common sense really. For example, turn up on time for your test, pay respect to other riders, the judges decision is always final, etc.
During the actual test, you can have it read to you but you'll be more likely to do well if you learn it! If you make a mistake, you will be penalised - 2marks for the 1st error, 4 for the 2nd, 8 for the 3rd, and elimination for the 4th. You can use spurs and whips at all levels I think.

Again, for a more in depth list of the rules get a rulebook.

Hope this helps!

Fiona.

[floppy]

you may be penalised for errors if you are an unknown rider but it seems that when you have a 'name' you can do things wrong and still get high marks so new people in the game who do a good test have half a chance against known people riding a bad test! well thats how it seems to be here in germany!

[Willingbe]

You can find a full set of rules @ www.britishdressage.co.uk click on library.